Help on dressing windows

8 years ago

Looking for some expert advice. I need to decide how to dress the windows in my one and only living area. It is a small open plan Villa, but the ceiling height is just under 3m. It has large sliding doors, windows and clerestory windows.

Our aspect is onto a golf course, which is a lovely open view, but we need to have something installed for privacy most of the time, especially until we can get the garden up and running to provide 'cover'. Of course we will need 'blockout' at night.

I have had a blind/curtain consultation and they have suggested hanging sheers from the ceiling to the floor (ie they would cover the clerestory windows too), to create impact and privacy, then add some blockout blinds from the top of the door. For other windows in the room, they have suggested plantation shutters, but I feel they would eat into the room and light even with blades open?

One of the reasons we purchased the villa was for the feeling of 'openness', even though it is a small home, the ceiling height and windows give it a light and airy feel, and make it seem bigger. So, even though we need privacy, we don't want to 'kill' that light and openness.

I love the look of sheers in photos in other homes, but I am worried that in ours, a wall of sheers might close us in a bit; I love the idea of softness against the sharper and harder surfaces of the home (tiles, lots of glass, concrete island bench etc), but I don't want the living area to feel like a 'boudoir' either! Nor, lose light.

The default option is probably double rollers (sheer and blockout), but they are a little 'boring' perhaps? Another option might be the Luxaflex Silouhettes?

Help! I've included photos of inside and out. :)

Thankyou Houzz community!

Featured Answer

julie herbert

8 years ago

Love Luxaflex Silouettes, very stylish and would look beautiful in your lovely home

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Comments (12)

oklouise
8 years ago
what about sheers on a drawstring rod hung at about 2400mm (standard ceiling height in the rest of the house?) and about half way between the top of the sliding doors and the bottom of the clerestory) add block out blinds behind the sheers and and double roller sheers for the smaller windows...and leave the clerestory uncovered to keep your view of the sky
Corinne McInerney thanked oklouise
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PRO
Decoro Custom Interiors
8 years ago
The height creates a beautiful space and you must be excited to see your new home developing.
A ceiling mounted sheer will emphasis that height, or it could work well hung at the height the ceiling is over the kitchen. Final choices should be made with relation to how the other windows will be treated, the functionality required and furniture layout.

You can open them, but to the left there is no stack back space off the window, possibly there is to the right, thus this is why blinds would be better for nighttime privacy.

Sheers come in different weight and openness of weaves, to give the option of level of privacy v level of light filtering

If you are based in Sydney, please send me a message if you are needing help with your project.
Corinne McInerney thanked Decoro Custom Interiors
alex_vellere
8 years ago
You could have your windows tinted for privacy during the day, that way you can still enjoy your open view without covering the windows although it will darken the room slightly. If you get a lot of light or have a skylight it shouldn’t matter too much.
You will still need window coverings for night time privacy.
Corinne McInerney thanked alex_vellere
Corinne McInerney
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you everyone. Decoro, I am afraid I am in Regional Vic., but thank you for the offer.

At this stage I have decided to go with sheers but not right to the ceiling - I am going to try them hung from about 70cm above the frame, which is almost level to the ceiling over the kitchen. That way, they are still higher than the window itself, but still leaves me with the 'sky' views through the clerestory windows.

The other windows will have double rollers, in a dark, charcoal colour for both the sheer and the block out. Again hoping that will look OK, as most people go for lighter colours (ie white) but all of the walls are Dulux Whisper white, and the window frames are black. When the blinds are down at night, I didn't want to be surrounded by white.

Fingers crossed I've made the right decision.
annb1997
8 years ago
Best wishes, Corinne!
PRO
DrapeCo (Australia-Wide)
8 years ago
Have you decided on the fabric? That is very important to the look and feel as well as the style. I can envisage a charcoal linen sheer on your windows, linen would look so classy and complement that natural views so perfectly too.
Corinne McInerney
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes; I have gone for a linen sheer; colour is 'ash' - not quite so dark as charcoal - but in the same tone. When it gathers, the folds have some depth, and the material has a lovely texture. Have to wait so long for them though!
PRO
DrapeCo (Australia-Wide)
8 years ago
How exciting. Can't wait to see the finished result!
PRO
Nelson Interior Stylists
8 years ago
a linen sheer is beautiful and adds a real luxury look. I’m thinking of this in my living room
KK1000
8 years ago
It’s probably to late but I would not use curtains of any kind. I would use motorised double roller blinds one block out and the other sunscreen that gives you privacy when needed. It’s modern and neat no need for curtain rods etc.
Sarah Beutel
8 years ago
I love your windows and light!
I agree with the decorator's ideas.
Love to see the after pics!

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